DuMOL, Charles Heintz Vineyard Isobel Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 2023

The 2023 Chardonnay Isobel Charles Heintz Vineyard was brought in on October 12 and 14, very late by historical standards. It captures all the magic of this site in its oily texture and breadth. Citrus confit, white pepper, flowers and crushed rocks are all beautifully delineated. For readers who want to know what Charles Heintz Chardonnay is all about, this is it!

A medium yellow hue, the 2023 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard Isobel offers the ripeness and decadence this site captures, though in this vintage, it leans more toward the mineral side, with white peach, salted pineapple, white flowers, and lemon peel citrus. The palate has medium to full-bodied richness, though it has a very elegant feel, with a lovely, savory texture and a long finish. It was aged in cigar-shaped barrels.

The 2023 Chardonnay Isobel Charles Heintz Vineyard comes from grapes harvested on October 12 and 14. Matured for 11 months in 23% new French oak cigare barrels, followed by four months in tank, it has slowly unfurling scents of white peach, lemon peel, vanilla custard, pie crust and soft herbal undertones. The medium-bodied palate is satiny and expansive with youthfully flinty flavors. It’s balanced by bright, shimmery acidity and has a long, layered finish. It will benefit from a few years in the cellar. 880 cases were made.